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Associate Category Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Unilever

Associate Category Manager

Rogers, AR

$88K - $133K/yr

Associate Category Management Manager, Walmart Location: Rogers, AR Background & Purpose of the Job: The Associate Category Manager delivers thought leadership and insights to drive solutions that ...

Rockler

Associate Category Manager

Medina, MN · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

The Associate Category Manager role is designed as the first step in category ownership. This role is intended to prepare the associate for a more advanced role in Category Management. major areas of ...

Sbdinc

Associate Category Manager

Towson, MD · Hybrid

Associate Category Manager - Hybrid Towson, MD In office 3 days a week Come build your career. It takes great people to achieve greatness. People with a sense of purpose and integrity. People with a ...

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How much do associate category manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate category manager in the United States is $25.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $29.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Associate Category Manager vs Category Analyst?

AspectAssociate Category ManagerCategory Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or related field; some roles may prefer experience in retail or supply chainBachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or related field; often entry-level
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with cross-functional teams, manages supplier relationships, and supports category strategiesAnalyzes sales data, monitors market trends, and provides insights to support category decisions
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in retail, consumer goods, and e-commerce companiesUsed across similar industries for data analysis and strategic support

The Associate Category Manager and Category Analyst roles share similar educational backgrounds and work environments, focusing on supporting category strategies through collaboration or data analysis. While the Associate Category Manager has more responsibilities in supplier management and strategy execution, the Category Analyst primarily provides insights through data analysis. Both roles are essential in retail and consumer goods industries, often working together to optimize product categories.

What does an associate category manager do?

An associate category manager supports the category management team by analyzing sales data, assisting in developing product strategies, and coordinating with suppliers. They help optimize product assortments, monitor inventory levels, and contribute to pricing and promotional decisions, often using tools like Excel or category management software. This role typically requires strong analytical skills and knowledge of retail or supply chain operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Category Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Category Manager, you need strong analytical skills, business acumen, and a background in merchandising or supply chain, often supported by a bachelor’s degree in business or related fields. Familiarity with category management software, advanced Excel, and data visualization tools such as Tableau or Power BI is typically required. Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills enable standout performance in managing vendors and cross-functional teams. These skills are crucial for driving category growth, optimizing product assortments, and ensuring profitability in a competitive retail environment.

How does an Associate Category Manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve category goals?

An Associate Category Manager frequently works with teams such as marketing, sales, supply chain, and finance to ensure category strategies are effectively executed. This collaboration involves sharing market insights, coordinating promotional activities, and aligning on inventory planning to meet sales targets. Effective communication and the ability to manage multiple stakeholders are essential, as the role acts as a bridge between departments to drive category performance. Regular meetings and joint projects are common, providing exposure to various aspects of the business and opportunities for career growth.

What kind of jobs in media bring in $150,000 a year?

In media, roles such as senior media planners, media directors, or digital marketing managers often earn $150,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience and advanced skills in data analysis, negotiation, and media buying. These positions typically require strong industry knowledge, strategic thinking, and proficiency with media planning tools and analytics platforms.

What is the salary of a category manager?

The salary of a category manager typically ranges from $70,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Senior or specialized category managers may earn higher compensation, often including bonuses and benefits.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

For an Associate Category Manager, salaries reaching $300,000 annually are uncommon and typically occur with extensive experience, seniority, or in high-cost markets. Higher-paying roles in management, finance, or specialized consulting often exceed this threshold, especially with bonuses and incentives included.
More about Associate Category Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Associate Category Manager jobs? Cities with the most Associate Category Manager job openings:
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Associate Category Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Category Manager job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,863 per year, or $25.4 per hour.
Associate Category Manager | Meat

Associate Category Manager | Meat

Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc.

Kansas City, KS • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description


Associate Category Manager | Meat
Location: 5000 Kansas Avenue Kansas City, KS 66106
Work Model: Hybrid
Department: Meat Merchandising
Make us your BEST Choice!
I. JOB SUMMARY
The Associate Category Manager is responsible for driving profitable sales growth within assigned category(s) for AWG and its Members. This role partners cross-functionally within the organization and collaborates closely with supplier partners to execute category strategies and achieve shared business objectives. The Associate Category Manager owns item-level decision-making within assigned categories, including product assortment, promotional planning, pricing strategies, vendor negotiations, shelf placement recommendations, procurement optimization, and item-derived income opportunities. This position plays a critical role in ensuring category programs remain competitive, aligned with market trends, and focused on delivering quality products at the best possible cost. There are no supervisory responsibilities.
II. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Develop and execute category strategies and initiatives that support sales growth and profitability goals.
  • Build and maintain comprehensive expertise in our products and categories, including market trends, consumer insights, and competitive activity.
  • Analyze category performance data to identify opportunities for growth, optimization, and operational efficiencies.
  • Conduct regular category reviews to evaluate assortment, performance, pricing, and promotional effectiveness.
  • Develop sales-driving programs that balance corporate objectives with market and Member flexibility.
  • Manage vendor relationships, negotiations, and funding opportunities to maximize category performance and profitability.
  • Support pricing, promotional planning, product mix, and assortment decisions within assigned categories.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Procurement, Accounting, Supply Chain, Marketing, and Operations to ensure successful execution of category initiatives.
  • Monitor industry trends, competitive activity, and emerging products to maintain relevant and innovative category offerings.
  • Ensure efficient and profitable procurement practices while maintaining service and quality standards.
  • Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders, supplier partners, and AWG Members regarding category strategies and initiatives.

  1. POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Any combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered.
  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Retail, Supply Chain, Merchandising, or a related field preferred.
  • Related experience in retail, merchandising, category management, supply chain, procurement, or business operations preferred.
  • Advanced analytical, organizational, and critical thinking skills with strong attention to detail.
  • Strong proficiency in Google Workspace applications and Microsoft Office Applications, such as Excel, and PowerPoint. Proficiency in AWG systems preferred
  • Ability to analyze and interpret complex data sets to support business decisions.
  • Effective communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills.
  • Ability to influence and work effectively across cross-functional teams.
  • Working knowledge of sourcing, procurement, supply chain management, operations, category management, and financial principles.

  1. Travel Requirements
  • Minimal travel required (less than 10%).
  • Travel will include visits to AWG Member retail locations, distribution centers, supplier partner locations, and industry or trade-related events.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and reliable transportation for local travel requirements.
  1. WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS
  • Ability to work effectively in office, retail, and distribution center environments, which may include varying noise levels, temperatures, and operational conditions, as business needs require.
  • Regular use of standard office equipment, including computers, telephones, printers, as well as the ability to read and interpret information on computer screens, reports, and other documents
  • Requires the ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, video conference, and electronic communication.
  • May occasionally require lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling supplies and materials weighing up to 10 pounds. Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, and other repetitive hand movements is required.

Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (AWG) is the nation's largest cooperative food wholesaler to independently owned supermarkets, serving 1,100 member companies and 3,500 locations throughout 33 states from 9 wholesale division support centers. Consolidated sales for AWG in 2025 were $12.2 billion. In addition to its cooperative wholesale operations, the company also operates subsidiary companies that provide certain real estate and supermarket development services, and pharmaceutical products. For more information, visit AWGinc.com.
Benefits:
  • Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
  • Health Savings Account
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
  • Paid Vacation, Holiday, and Sick Time
  • 401(k) with 4% match along with 3 other contributions
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Basic & Supplemental Life and AD&D
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
  • Wellness Program
  • Yearly Holiday Bonus

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